The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video claiming one of its soldiers interfered in the Anambra election, describing the clip as false and misleading.
In a statement on Sunday, the Army said the incident took place on November 8 at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, where its men were responding to a distress call.
According to the 82 Division, corps members and INEC officials had reported being held hostage by suspected political thugs after their collation officer went missing.
A rescue team of two officers and twelve soldiers was deployed to the scene and met a tense atmosphere involving political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
The Army said its troops acted professionally and with restraint, rescuing the trapped corps members and INEC staff before escorting them safely to the INEC office.
It described the viral video as lacking context and stressed that the operation was purely to protect lives and support civil authorities, not to take part in politics.
“The Nigerian Army remains neutral, professional, and committed to safeguarding democracy,” said Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.
The Division added that it would work with the Anambra State Government to avoid future misunderstandings and ensure better cooperation in joint operations.
Meanwhile INEC has declared Governor Chukwuma Soludo the winner of the election after he polled over 400,000 votes and won every local government area of the state in a sweeping victory.
See full statement below
CLARIFICATION ON NIGERIAN ARMY INTERVENTION AT UKWU OJI UMUBELE, AWKA DURING A RESCUE OPERATION
The attention of Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media, falsely suggesting the involvement of a Nigerian Army officer in electoral activities. The Division wishes to set the record straight and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident that occurred on 8 November 2025 at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
To set the record straight, approximately at about 2020 hours (8:20 pm), an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received a distress call from NYSC officials and Corp members reporting that corps members and other INEC staff were being held hostage by suspected political thugs. The report followed the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the polling unit.
In line with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to aid civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team consisting of two officers and twelve soldiers was promptly deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the troops met a highly charged atmosphere, involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the presence of military personnel.
Despite the provocation and tension at the scene, Nigerian Army troops maintained utmost professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the corps members and INEC officials. The rescued personnel were subsequently escorted safely to the INEC office, where collation continued peacefully.
The video currently circulating on social media is therefore misleading and lacks the full context of events. The Nigerian Army’s intervention was purely a humanitarian and security response aimed at protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process. Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading and regrettable.
Headquarters 82 Division further notes the conduct of certain political actors during the episode and will engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure mutual understanding and sustained cooperation in future operations.
The Nigerian Army reiterates its commitment to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic institutions. The public is therefore urged to disregard the false narratives and continue to support the efforts of the military and other security agencies in safeguarding peace and order during elections.
